Epigenetic Effects of Prenatal Stress

Biological embedding of prenatal stress can increase the risk for maladaptive child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The search is on for more precise mechanisms implicated in this biological embedding. In recent years, researchers have focused on how epigenetic processes are implicated in the transmission of prenatal stress to the fetus. A number of specific epigenetic mechanisms have been studied to test the hypothesis that prenatal stress signals may alter epigenetic processes and, subsequently, fetal stress response systems. In this chapter, we briefly discuss the historical, theoretical, and empirical background linking epigenetic mechanisms with prenatal stress research. We describe common epigenetic mechanisms and the promises as well as difficulties inherent in examining epigenetic processes as mechanisms linking prenatal stress with child developmental outcomes in humans. As an example of our approach to examining these epigenetic processes, we review key genes that are implicated in the fetal programming of the stress response that could have downstream effects on immune system functioning and neurodevelopment. Finally, we discuss future directions for the study of epigenetic processes linking maternal prenatal stress with offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes.